Our advisory committees help shape the strategic direction of Council by providing valuable feedback on policies and projects in the City of Kingston.
Consider applying if you:
- are passionate about your local community
- want to be involved in developing future directions of Kingston
- would like to be involved in Kingston’s shared vision of the future
- are happy to provide feedback on policies and projects in Kingston.
Read more about each advisory committee and find the relevant links to apply in our list below.
We are currently not accepting applications for our advisory committees. Further information will be available when applications are reopened.
Access and Equity Advisory Committee
Purpose of Committee
The Access and Equity Advisory Committee has been established to provide specialist recommendations and advice to the City of Kingston in relation to strategic access and equity issues within the community.
The role of the committee is to:
- Provide a forum for identifying municipality-wide issues and opportunities; and
- Ensure that diverse community perspectives are considered in the decision-making process
The committee will provide advice to Council regarding specific matters by way of reports through the Council meeting process, contributing to well-rounded and effective governance in accordance with the community engagement principles of the Local Government Act 2020.
Council Plan objectives
The objectives of the Access and Equity Advisory Committee are to:
- Provide informed and diverse perspectives on access ad equity issues and topics
- Act as a conduit between Council and the Kingston community, ensuring that expert, community views are represented
- Assist in the development of policies, programs and initiatives by offering expert and community-based insights
- Foster trust and transparency between Council and the Kingston community.
Criteria for membership
Applicants must submit a response which will be assessed against the membership criteria by Council officers.
Applications for membership of the committee will be considered against the following criteria:
- Expert knowledge and understanding of local issues relevant to access and equity and their social, environmental and economic impacts
- Alignment with the Strategic Directions of the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–29.
- Endorsement by a relevant organisation (where applicable)
- Strong community networks and linkages in field of expertise
- An ability to encourage participation and feedback from the community and to represent a diverse range of community views
- An ability to constructively participate in an advisory capacity
Prospective applicants must not already be a member of another Council Advisory Committee, working group or reference group and preference will be given to applicants who have not already served on a Council Advisory Committee.
Appointment
Councillor representatives are appointed annually by Council resolution
Other committee members are appointed by relevant Senior Officers for a period of one year with the option to extend the appointment where this aligns with the committee objectives. A maximum appointment of two years applies unless the availability of suitable candidates is limited.
Up to half of the number of appointees at each intake may be comprised of continuing committee members.
Meetings
Committee meetings will be held quarterly at a nominated Council venue or via online means, with a schedule of meetings developed annually. Under special circumstances, a meeting may be cancelled or re-scheduled.
- The duration of meetings will typically be two hours.
Members must attend a minimum of three meetings per year for their membership to remain current, unless extenuating circumstances apply.
Access and Equity Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
Active Kingston Advisory Committee
Purpose of Committee
The Active Kingston Advisory Committee has been established to provide specialist recommendations and advice to the City of Kingston in relation to strategic broad-based sports and recreation issues within the community.
The role of the committee is to:
- Provide a forum for identifying municipality-wide issues and opportunities; and
- Ensure that diverse community perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
The committee will provide advice to Council by way of a report through the Council meeting process, contributing to well-rounded and effective governance in accordance with the community engagement principles of the Local Government Act 2020.
Council Plan objectives
The objectives of the Active Kingston Advisory Committee are to:
- Provide informed and diverse perspectives on broad-based sports and recreation issues and topics
- Act as a conduit between Council and the Kingston community, ensuring that expert, community views are represented
- Assist in the development of policies, programs and initiatives by offering expert and community-based insights
- Foster trust and transparency between Council and the Kingston community
Criteria for membership
Applicants must submit a response which will be assessed against the membership criteria by Council officers.
Applications for membership of the committee will be considered against the following criteria:
- Expert knowledge and understanding of local issues relevant to broad-based sports and recreation and their social, environmental and economic impacts
- Alignment with the Strategic Directions of the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–29
- Endorsement by a relevant organisation (if applicable)
- Strong community networks and linkages in field of expertise
- An ability to encourage participation and feedback from the community and to represent a diverse range of community views
- An ability to constructively participate in an advisory capacity.
Prospective applicants must not already be a member of another Council Advisory Committee, working group or reference group and preference will be given to applicants who have not already served on a Council Advisory Committee.
Appointment
Councillor representatives are appointed annually by Council resolution
Other committee members are appointed by relevant Senior Officers for a period of one year with the option to extend the appointment where this aligns with the committee objectives. A maximum appointment of two years applies unless the availability of suitable candidates is limited.
Up to half of the number of appointees at each intake may be comprised of continuing committee members.
Meetings
Committee meetings will be held quarterly at a nominated Council venue or via online means, with a schedule of meetings developed annually. Under special circumstances, a meeting may be cancelled or re-scheduled.
- The duration of meetings will typically be two hours
Members must attend a minimum of three meetings per year for their membership to remain current, unless extenuating circumstances apply.
Active Kingston Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee
Purpose of Committee
The Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee has been established to provide specialist recommendations and advice to the City of Kingston in relation to strategic broad-based arts and cultural issues within the community.
The role of the committee is to:
- Provide a forum for identifying municipality-wide issues and opportunities; and
- Ensure that diverse community perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
The committee will provide advice to Council by way of a report through the Council meeting process, contributing to well-rounded and effective governance in accordance with the community engagement principles of the Local Government Act 2020.
Council Plan objectives
The objectives of the Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee are to:
- Provide informed and diverse perspectives on broad-based arts and cultural issues and topics
- Act as a conduit between Council and the Kingston community, ensuring that expert, community views are represented
- Assist in the development of policies, programs and initiatives by offering expert and community-based insights
- Foster trust and transparency between Council and the Kingston community.
Criteria for membership
Applicants must submit a response which will be assessed against the membership criteria by Council officers.
Applications for membership of the committee will be considered against the following criteria:
- Expert knowledge and understanding of local issues relevant to broad-based arts and cultural issues and their social, environmental and economic impacts
- Alignment with the Strategic Directions of the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–29
- Endorsement by a relevant organisation (where applicable)
- Strong community networks and linkages in field of expertise
- An ability to encourage participation and feedback from the community and to represent a diverse range of community views
- An ability to constructively participate in an advisory capacity.
Prospective applicants must not already be a member of another Council Advisory Committee, working group or reference group and preference will be given to applicants who have not already served on a Council Advisory Committee.
Appointment
Councillor representatives are appointed annually by Council resolution.
Other committee members are appointed by relevant Senior Officers for a period of one year with the option to extend the appointment where this aligns with the committee objectives. A maximum appointment of two years applies unless the availability of suitable candidates is limited.
Up to half of the number of appointees at each intake may be comprised of continuing committee members.
Meetings
Committee meetings will be held quarterly at a nominated Council venue or via online means, with a schedule of meetings developed annually. Under special circumstances, a meeting may be cancelled or re-scheduled.
- The duration of meetings will typically be two hours
Members must attend a minimum of three meetings per year for their membership to remain current, unless extenuating circumstances apply.
Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee
Purpose of Committee
The Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee has been established to provide specialist recommendations and advice to the City of Kingston in relation to strategic growth and development of Kingston economy and issues relating to the creation of local employment opportunities within the community.
The role of the committee is to:
- Provide a forum for identifying municipality-wide issues and opportunities; and
- Ensure that diverse community perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
The committee will provide advice to Council by way of a report through the Council meeting process, contributing to well-rounded and effective governance in accordance with the community engagement principles of the Local Government Act 2020.
Council Plan objectives
The objectives of the Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee are to:
- Provide informed and diverse perspectives on the growth and development of Kingston economy related issues and topics
- Act as a conduit between Council and the Kingston community, ensuring that expert, community views are represented
- Assist in the development of policies, programs and initiatives by offering expert and community-based insights
- Foster trust and transparency between Council and the Kingston community.
Criteria for membership
Applicants must submit a response which will be assessed against the membership criteria by Council officers.
Applications for membership of the committee will be considered against the following criteria:
- Expert knowledge and understanding of local issues relevant to the growth and development of the Kingston economy and their social, environmental and economic impacts
- Alignment with the Strategic Directions of the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–29
- Endorsement by a relevant organisation (where applicable)
- Strong community networks and linkages in field of expertise
- An ability to encourage participation and feedback from the community and to represent a diverse range of community views
- An ability to constructively participate in an advisory capacity
- Prospective applicants must not already be a member of another Council Advisory Committee, working group or reference group and preference will be given to applicants who have not already served on a Council Advisory Committee.
Appointment
Councillor representatives are appointed annually by Council resolution.
Other committee members are appointed by relevant Senior Officers for a period of one year with the option to extend the appointment where this aligns with the committee objectives. A maximum appointment of two years applies unless the availability of suitable candidates is limited.
Up to half of the number of appointees at each intake may be comprised of continuing committee members.
Meetings
Committee meetings will be held quarterly at a nominated Council venue or via online means, with a schedule of meetings developed annually. Under special circumstances, a meeting may be cancelled or re-scheduled.
- The duration of meetings will typically be two hours
Members must attend a minimum of three meetings per year for their membership to remain current, unless extenuating circumstances apply.
Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
Environment and Open Spaces Advisory Committee
Purpose of Committee
The Environment and Open Spaces Advisory Committee has been established to provide specialist recommendations and advice to the City of Kingston in relation to strategic environmental issues and consider Open Spaces through design, maintenance and use within the community.
The role of the committee is to:
- Provide a forum for identifying municipality-wide issues and opportunities; and
- Ensure that diverse community perspectives are considered in the decision-making process
The committee will provide advise to Council by way of a report through the Council meeting process, contributing to well-rounded and effective governance in accordance with the community engagement principles of the Local Government Act 2020.
Council Plan Objectives
The objectives of the Environment and Open Spaces Advisory Committee are to:
- Provide informed and diverse perspectives on environmental and Open Space issues and topics
- Act as a conduit between Council and the Kingston community, ensuring that expert, community views are represented
- Assist in the development of policies, programs and initiatives by offering expert and community-based insights
- Foster trust and transparency between Council and the Kingston community.
Criteria for membership
Applicants must submit a response which will be assessed against the membership criteria by Council officers.
Applications for membership of the committee will be considered against the following criteria:
- Expert knowledge and understanding of local issues relevant to the growth and development of the Kingston economy and their social, environmental and economic impacts
- Alignment with the Strategic Directions of the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–29
- Endorsement by a relevant organisation (where applicable)
- Strong community networks and linkages in field of expertise
- An ability to encourage participation and feedback from the community and to represent a diverse range of community views
- An ability to constructively participate in an advisory capacity
- Prospective applicants must not already be a member of another Council Advisory Committee, working group or reference group and preference will be given to applicants who have not already served on a Council Advisory Committee.
Appointment
Councillor representatives are appointed annually by Council resolution.
Other committee members are appointed by relevant Senior Officers for a period of one year with the option to extend the appointment where this aligns with the committee objectives. A maximum appointment of two years applies unless the availability of suitable candidates is limited.
Up to half of the number of appointees at each intake may be comprised of continuing committee members.
Meetings
Committee meetings will be held quarterly at a nominated Council venue or via online means, with a schedule of meetings developed annually. Under special circumstances, a meeting may be cancelled or re-scheduled.
- The duration of meetings will typically be two hours
- Members must attend a minimum of three meetings per year for their membership to remain current, unless extenuating circumstances apply.
Environment and Open Spaces Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
Youth Voice working group
We are not currently accepting applications for our Youth Voice working group.
Read the Terms of Reference below for more information.
Youth Voice Terms of Reference
The Community Safety Working Group is convened by Council as a task-oriented group focused on specific goals, issues, or projects related to community safety. It supports connections and communication between Council and emergency services partners.
The working group meets four times a year. It is an important forum for maintaining strong relationships between community safety partners, information sharing and identifying or responding to municipal wide safety issues.
The working group is comprised of members selected for their relevant expertise or stakeholder role. Partners involved include representatives from Council, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, State Emergency Services, Fire Rescue Victoria, Lifesaving Victoria, and Department of Justice and Community Safety.
For further information, contact Council’s Community Safety Officer on 1300 653 356 or community@kingston.vic.gov.au.
Read the Community Safety Working Group Terms of Reference.
The Emergency Relief Agency Network is convened by the City of Kingston to support connections between emergency relief agencies, Council teams, and not for profit food relief organisations working in the provision of emergency food relief and material aid to the Kingston community.
The network meets four times a year. It provides opportunities for information sharing and collaboration, networking and maintaining strong relationships between organisations.
For further information, contact Council’s Social Policy and Planning Officer on 1300 653 356 or community@kingston.vic.gov.au.
Read the Emergency Relief Agency Network Terms of Reference.
The Historical Societies Network Committee has been established to provide a conduit between Council and municipal Historical Societies.
The Network provides an important forum for collaboration, idea generation, and a point of reference for identifying municipal-wide emerging issues and opportunities regarding history and heritage within the City of Kingston that impacts member groups.
The Network has a purely collaborative and consultative focus. This means that the Historical Societies Network Committee does not have any financial delegation or decision-making capacity.
Read the Historical Societies Network Committee Terms of Reference.
The Kingston Interfaith Network celebrates the commonality and diversity of our spiritual communities by:
- encouraging, understanding and respect between peoples of all faiths and cultures
- affirming spiritual and religious freedom
- working towards peace, compassion, and equality within our local community.
Read the Kingston Interfaith Network Committee Terms of Reference.
How to join
Nominated members need to either live in, or practice their faith, in Kingston. The group meets quarterly and works together on a range of projects that involve the Kingston Interfaith Network and the broader community.
Representatives of faith communities are welcome to apply – you just need a letter of endorsement by your faith leader attached to your application. Appointed members will be a part of the committee for a two-year term.
Apply now
For more information, contact the Community Diversity & Inclusion Officer on 1300 653 356 or at community@kingston.vic.gov.au
Kingston Interfaith Newsletter
The Kingston Interfaith Newsletter keeps faith organisations and their congregations connected. It includes information about interfaith events and resources, opportunities for community consultation, social support services and community events in Kingston.
The Prevention of Family Violence Network is convened by the City of Kingston to support connections between Council teams, State Government services, community and not for profit organisations working in the prevention of and response to family violence in the Kingston community.
The network meets four times a year. It provides opportunities for maintaining strong relationships between organisations, networking, information sharing and collaboration.
For further information, contact Council’s Social Policy and Planning Officer on 1300 653 356 or community@kingston.vic.gov.au.
Read the Prevention of Family Violence Network Terms of Reference(PDF, 310KB).
The City of Kingston Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group (RAG) is to act as a conduit between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, reconciliation stakeholders and the City of Kingston.
The RAG will guide the implementation of the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and provide advice to Kingston Council’s internal RAP Working Group between November 2021 and April 2024.
For more information, please refer to the RAG Terms of Reference(PDF, 105KB) and the RAG Code of Conduct(PDF, 126KB).
How do I get involved?
To join the RAG membership, please fill out an expression of interest (EOI) form(PDF, 146KB) and email to reconciliation@kingston.vic.gov.au.
Membership of the RAG will consist of:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who live or work in Kingston
- Representatives from community organisations, agencies and service providers that have a focus on provision services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Kingston
- Members are voluntary and may hold a position on the advisory group for a term of two (2) years.
For further information, or if you need help completing the EOI, please contact reconciliation@kingston.vic.gov.au.